The domestic production of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) should be encouraged and supported, said Kitui County Gov. Charity Ngilu. The county government is considering building two more factories from funds earned from selling the masks, as well as training other counties on how to make their equipment rather than relying on imports, Ngilu added.

“Increased cotton production means ginners and farmers will flatten the demand curve in the next five months when the crop is harvested,” Muriithi told the Alliance for Science. “Kenya imports 80 percent of the cotton it processes from neighboring countries, such as Uganda. Cotton is one of the crops with a very elaborate value chain, benefiting many players such as farmers, ginneries and the consumer.

“Although demand for fabrics is high, peripheral industries like [food grade] oil also will be boosted,” he added. “Currently, we are importing a lot of vegetable oil. With increased cotton production, cotton oil, which is cholesterol-free, would enhance consumer’s preference. We are also seeing an opportunity in an increased dairy meal” — livestock feed made from cotton seed.

In addition, there is strong demand for sanitary pads, diapers and blankets, which are primarily made of cotton, Muriithi said.